Handmade Pesto

Name: Handmade Pesto
Ingredients: 3/4 cup pine nuts or coarsely chopped macadamia nuts (6 ounces); 5 cups basil leaves, chilled and perfectly dry; 6 small garlic cloves, quartered; 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for sealing; Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

6 ingredients

8 steps

Ingredients

3/4 cup pine nuts or coarsely chopped macadamia nuts (6 ounces)
5 cups basil leaves, chilled and perfectly dry
6 small garlic cloves, quartered
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for sealing
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

1

Preheat the oven to 400.
2

Toast the nuts on a baking sheet for about 4 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3

Coarsely chop the basil leaves.
4

In a large mortar, combine the basil and garlic and pound to a coarse paste.
5

Add the nuts and pound until a smooth paste forms.
6

Stir in the Parmesan, then 3/4 cup of the olive oil.
7

Transfer the pesto to a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
8

Smooth the surface and pour a little olive oil on top to seal.